5 Exercise Guidelines to Treat Lower Back Pain

Low back pain is a leading cause of absence from work. It can be pretty debilitating. Low back pain is also one of those ailments that generally never goes away. It can trouble you for the rest of your life. However, it does not mean that it cannot be improved.

Depending on the nature of the problem, you may be able to get rid of it completely. However, for people with chronic low back pain, the best they can do is to cope. This means doing physiotherapy and exercise. Let’s look at some of the things you should know about low back pain and what you can do to improve it.

1. See A Doctor First

Before you do anything, you should first see a doctor. There will most likely be X-rays involved. The nature of the problem must first be determined. Then a course of action can be planned. Never do any exercises on your own or try to self-medicate. This can worsen the problem.

Your doctor can either treat you or send you to someone else who can. This may be a chiropractor or it could be for physiotherapy or both. Despite X-rays being done, your chiropractor may ask you to have more X-rays performed again.

2. Physical Therapy

If your doctor or chiropractor decides to send you for physiotherapy, try to go and learn as much as you can. If you have insurance, find out if this is covered. If not, you will have to pay for it. However, even if you do, it is well worth it because it can help you improve tremendously.

You will be able to get back some quality of life and not suffer as much, like you may be at present. Also, unless there is special equipment involved, it is quite possible to learn and do the exercises at home. This way, you pay for a few sessions and the rest of the time, you can do it at home.

3. Aquatic Therapy

Sometimes, depending on what the problem is, there may be aquatic therapy. However, a lot of the time, aquatic therapy is for those who are elderly or who may have physical disabilities and cannot perform exercises otherwise.

4. Stretching

While stretching may seem to some people like a waste of time, it is actually really helpful. There will be specific stretching exercises that are designed just for you. You may even get a printed form of many stretching exercises. The physiotherapist will circle just a few that are relevant to you. Do it slowly and gradually. This can help with range of motion and also provide relief.

5. Core Strengthening

This can help to strengthen your abdominal muscles as well as your low back muscles. If you feel pain, you should say something to your therapist. Keep in mind that even though your lower back may be the problem, it helps to strengthen other muscles in order to help you.

Always make sure you are comfortable and do not feel any sharp pains. Once you’re comfortable, you can practice it in the comfort of your home. Just make sure never to do more than you are asked to do.